(ITP-28) Defining personality, Theories of personality
Abstract:Personality is a fundamental aspect of human psychology, encompassing an individual's unique traits, behaviors, and cognitive patterns. The study of personality and its theories in psychology seeks to understand the underlying factors that shape and influence an individual's consistent patterns of behavior. This abstract provides a concise overview of personality and theories of personality, highlighting key concepts and approaches within the field. It emphasizes the significance of personality in psychology and its relevance for understanding human behavior and individual differences.
Personality:
Introduction:
Personality refers to the unique patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that define an individual’s personal style of interacting with others .It encompasses various traits, motivations, and cognitive processes that shape an individual's behavior. Psychologists look at the theories of personality to help them study people. Personality is made up consistent and long lasting patterns of behavior.
Theories of personality:
Theories of personality are described below.
Psychodynamic Theory of Personality by Sigmund Freud:
Sigmund
Freud, a pioneer in the field of psychology, developed the Psychodynamic Theory
of Personality. This theory suggests that our personalities are shaped by
unconscious desires, conflicts, and childhood experiences. Freud proposed three
major components of the mind: the id, ego, and superego.
- The Id: According to Freud, the id represents our primal, instinctual
desires and operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate
gratification without considering social norms or consequences.
- The Ego: The ego acts as the mediator between the id and the external
world. It operates on the reality principle, balancing the id's desires
with societal expectations and norms.
- The Superego: The superego represents our internalized moral standards and societal values. It strives for perfection and guides our behavior through a sense of guilt and conscience.
Psychoanalytical Theory of Personality by Carl Jung:
Carl Jung, a
renowned psychologist and Freud's contemporary, developed the Psychoanalytical
Theory of Personality. While influenced by Freud's work, Jung expanded on the
concept of the unconscious and introduced his own ideas.
- Collective Unconscious: Jung proposed the existence of a
collective unconscious, a reservoir of shared ancestral memories and
experiences that influence our behavior and personality. This collective
unconscious contains archetypes, universal symbols and themes that shape
our thoughts and behavior.
- Persona and Shadow: Jung introduced the concept of persona,
the social mask we wear to present ourselves to the world. The shadow, on
the other hand, represents our hidden, unconscious aspects that we repress
or deny.
- Introversion and Extraversion: Jung also introduced the dimensions of
introversion and extraversion, suggesting that individuals have different
orientations towards the external world. Introverts focus more on internal
thoughts and experiences, while extraverts draw energy from social
interactions.
Theory of Psychosocial Development by Erik Erikson:
Erik Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial
Development expands upon Freud's ideas by emphasizing the role of social and
cultural factors in shaping personality. He proposed eight stages of
development that individuals go through from infancy to old age.
1. Trust vs. Mistrust: Infancy
(0-1 year) In the first stage, infants learn to
trust or mistrust the world based on the consistency and reliability of their
caregivers' responses to their needs.
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and
Doubt: Early Childhood (1-3 years) During
the toddler years, children develop a sense of independence and autonomy. If
their exploration and decision-making abilities are supported, they develop a
sense of self-control; otherwise, they may experience shame and doubt.
3. Initiative vs. Guilt:
Preschool (3-6 years) Children explore and
take initiative, but may feel guilty if they make mistakes or are criticized.
4. Industry vs. Inferiority: School
Age (6-12 years) In middle childhood, children develop
competence and a sense of industry through mastering skills and receiving
recognition. If they face repeated failures or criticisms, they may develop
feelings of inferiority.
5. Identity vs. Role
Confusion: Adolescence (12-18 years)
Adolescence is a critical stage for identity formation, where individuals
explore various roles and values to establish a cohesive sense of self. Failure
to achieve a clear identity may lead to confusion and role diffusion.
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation: Young
Adulthood (18-40 years) In early adulthood,
individuals seek to form deep, meaningful relationships and intimate
connections. Failure to establish intimacy can lead to feelings of isolation
and loneliness.
7. Generativity vs.
Stagnation: Middle Adulthood (40-65 years) During middle adulthood, individuals focus on contributing to
society and leaving a lasting impact through their work, family, and community
involvement. Those who lack a sense of generativity may experience stagnation
and a lack of fulfillment.
8. Ego Integrity vs. Despair: Late
Adulthood (65+ years) In late adulthood, individuals reflect
on their lives and evaluate the meaning and value of their accomplishments.
Those who feel a sense of satisfaction and wisdom develop ego integrity, while
others may experience despair and regret.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, theories of personality,
including the psychodynamic theory by Sigmund Freud, the psychoanalytical
theory by Carl Jung, and the psychosocial development theory by Erik Erikson,
provide valuable insights into understanding the complexities of human behavior
and individual differences. These theories highlight the role of unconscious
desires, childhood experiences, societal influences, and personal growth in
shaping personality. By studying these theories, psychology students can gain a
deeper understanding of themselves and others, enhancing their knowledge and
practice in the field of psychology.
References:
- Cloninger, C. R. (2013). Theories of Personality:
Understanding Persons. Pearson.
- Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and Society. Norton &
Company.
- Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. W. W.
Norton & Company.
- Freud, S. (1900). The interpretation of dreams. Standard
Edition, 4-5.
- Freud, S. (1923). The Ego and the Id. The Standard Edition of
the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume XIX (1923-1925):
The Ego and the Id and Other Works, 3-66.
- Jung, C. G. (1968). Analytical Psychology: Its Theory and
Practice. Routledge.
- Jung, C. G. (1968). The archetypes and the collective
unconscious. Princeton University Press.
- McAdams, D. P. (2006). The Person: A New Introduction to
Personality Psychology. Wiley.
- Pervin, L. A., Cervone, D., & John, O. P. (2005).
Personality: Theory and Research. John Wiley & Sons.
